There have indeed been striking shifts in the triangular dynamic between the United States, China, and India. Trump has given some signals of moving closer to China, prompting New Delhi to find its own balance between Washington and Beijing. But it would be a mistake to see the recent Indian outreach to China as an Indian concession driven by strategic frailty. Rather, it is a form of tactical accommodation to evolving geopolitical realities. New Delhi’s engagement with Beijing is aimed at achieving concrete economic benefits without compromising core security interests.

On July 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he was imposing 25 percent tariffs on goods from India. This trade war escalation comes amid New Delhi’s efforts to improve its economic ties with China as well as accusations that such moves reflect India’s “ submission ” to Beijing.

On July 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he was imposing 25 percent tariffs on goods from India. This trade war escalation comes amid New Delhi’s efforts to improve its economic ties with China as well as accusations that such moves reflect India’s “submission” to Beijing.

There have indeed been striking shifts in the triangular dynamic between the United States, China, and India. Trump has given some signals of moving closer to China, prompting New Delhi to find its own balance between Washington and Beijing.